DIAGNOSTIC POSSIBILITIES OF HYDROCOLONIC ECHOGRAPHY AT CHRONIC CONSTIPATION IN CHILDREN

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Diagnostic Imaging
• Colorectal Surgery

Background:

• Chronic constipation (CC) is a common pediatric condition requiring accurate diagnosis.
• Established criteria for colon assessment via hydrocolonic echography (HCE) are crucial for evaluating CC.
• Understanding HCE's capabilities in pediatric CC is essential for optimizing patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop assessment criteria for the colon using hydrocolonic echography (HCE) based on 15 years of experience.
• To evaluate the diagnostic possibilities of HCE in pediatric chronic constipation (CC).
• To identify secondary colon changes associated with CC and potential surgical etiologies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective cross-sectional study of HCE results in 263 children (14 days to 17 years) with CC.
• HCE was used to assess colon position, length, lumen, wall structure, haustra, and real-time function.
• Echographical characteristics of dolichocolon and dolichomegacolon were defined, alongside identification of surgical causes like Hirschsprung disease.

Main Results:

• HCE provided comprehensive real-time evaluation of colon morphology and function in pediatric CC.
• Secondary colon changes related to CC severity were identified.
• Echographical features distinguishing dolichocolon (mild CC) and dolichomegacolon (severe CC) were established.
• HCE demonstrated potential for identifying surgical causes of constipation, including Hirschsprung disease.

Conclusions:

• Hydrocolonic echography offers high diagnostic potential for pediatric constipation, enabling timely identification of organic causes.
• HCE can reduce the need for additional examinations in functional constipation.
• HCE serves as a valuable tool for monitoring conservative treatment of CC due to its lack of radiation and repeatability.